2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class 1.8L Diesel · DN62 VAE

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz B-Class presents a stable mechanical condition following its most recent test, though the maintenance history requires careful scrutiny of the steering and suspension components. The latest test on 2026-05-28 at 70,084 miles passed with zero defects, indicating the vehicle currently meets roadworthiness standards. This clean bill of health follows the 2025-05-19 test at 66,862 miles where the tester flagged play in the offside front steering rack inner joint. The absence of this advisory in the 2026 record suggests the issue was rectified or remains within acceptable tolerances, yet the intermittent nature of such wear demands a physical inspection. Accumulating just 70,084 miles over fourteen years equates to an annual average of roughly 5,000 miles, confirming exceptionally light usage. The mileage progression reveals a distinct pattern of declining annual mileage. Between 2022-05-24 and 2023-05-15, the car covered 6,105 miles, but this dropped to 3,283 miles by 2024-05-16, and further declined to 3,341 miles by 2025-05-19. The mere 3,222 miles added between the 2025 and 2026 tests indicate the vehicle has spent prolonged periods stationary. Such low mileage can mask wear on consumables while risking deterioration of rubber components and seals from lack of use. A prospective buyer must thoroughly inspect the front steering and suspension setup, specifically checking the offside inner rack joint for any free play that might have developed since the May 2026 test. The recurring tyre issues—a perished offside rear tyre noted in 2022 and a worn nearside front tyre flagged in 2023—point to a previous owner who neglected basic tyre maintenance. Given the extremely low recent mileage, the rubber suspension bushes, exhaust mounts, and auxiliary drive belts should be examined for perishing caused by prolonged static periods. Brake discs and calipers also warrant a close look to ensure they have not corroded or developed binding from sitting idle.